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Wakefield meeting reviews ARPA spending, pop-up retail and new marketing site
Summary
At a Wakefield meeting, members heard an ARPA spending update showing recent payments for marketing and pop-up programs, a near-close on façade and sign grants, and a preview of a new promotional website and business directory. Staff said a micro-transit RFP and events remain planned.
Aaron provided an overview of American Rescue Plan Act spending and economic-development initiatives, saying the committee has been paying invoices for marketing and pop-up programs and that one large round of façade and sign grants is almost complete. "About paid about four invoices then, so that totals around $30,000 from that account as well," Aaron said, adding that project pop-up invoices in the last month totaled about $22,000.
The presenter said one property in round one still needs to finish work and submit receipts; recipients have until the end of the month to file invoices unless an extension is agreed. Aaron said roughly $90,000 remains in round one funds but most of that is already spoken for and that final numbers will be provided at the next meeting.
Erin reported on the retail pop-up pilot, noting Creative Chaos and Cotton & Blue are drawing steady foot traffic and will remain through September; a 3D-printing vendor is slated to replace rotating tenants in one space in June. "I think things are going really great for them," Erin said of the pop-up tenants and their workshops, which staff said create additional placemaking value.
Members previewed a separate promotional marketing website and business directory being developed with a consultant; the consultant will maintain the site until the end of the year, after which staff will assume updates. The site will include a business directory, events calendar, featured stories and a blog intended to promote Wakefield to visitors and prospective businesses. Aaron said the video marketing grant program—working with WCAT—has begun posting short videos for participating businesses on social media and that businesses are responding to the opportunity.
On arts and events, Aaron said the Mosaic Project—created by Galvin Middle School students—has closed out and will be displayed downtown through May, and that the creative-arts/events grant line is nearly exhausted, with roughly $500 potentially remaining if upcoming events proceed.
The meeting closed the item with members asking for final accounting at the next meeting so the group can decide whether to reallocate funds.
